Process and mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials



R. PEALE, JR

Feb. 21, 1939..

PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMTXED DIVIDED MATERIALS 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed March 25 g G 8 5 k8 g Enventor aii eazgd 40% M7 Gttomeu 1, 1939. R. PEALE, JR 2,1

PROCESS AND MECHAQISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Original Filed March 25, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 III IIIIIIII/II Feb. 21, 1939. R. PEALE, JR 147,822

PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Original Filed March 25, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 k T -fi" 1* E a w :5 s $33 3nnentor 392225141242? flaky/ (Ittorneg Feb. 21, 1939.

R. PEALE, JR

PROCESS AND MECHANISM FOR SEPARATING INTERMIXED DIVIDED MATERIALS Original Filed March 25, 1926 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Gttorneg Patented Feb. 21, 1939 UNITED STATEfi PROCESS AND IlIEGHANlSM iFQR SEPARAT- ING INTERMIXED DIVKDED MATERHALS Rembrandt Peaie, J12, Clearfield, Pa, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Peale-Davis il'ompany,

Wilmington, Del, a

corpcratien of Delaware Original application March 25, 1926, Serial No.

97,222. Divided and this application May 28,

1932, Serial No. 614,109. Renewed December 23,

13 Claims.

The invention is directed to a novel and use ful process and mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials of different specific gravities; and more particularly to a process and mechanism for separating such materials which vary relatively greatly in the size of the intermixed fragments or particles, while on the other hand, varying relatively little in their specific,

gravities.

Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part hereinafter and in part will be obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with the invention, the same being realized and. attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings:-

Fig. 1 is a central, vertical, longitudinal section through a mechanism embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a top plan, with certain parts in section, taken substantially on the line 2-2 oi Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a full horizontal section taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a full transverse, vertical section, taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 isaside elevation of the right-hand end of Fig. 1 and of the table reciprocating means and the air pressure means located at the right thereof;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic plan showing a screen having areas of different size mesh;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary elevation, on a greatly reduced scale, and partly diagrammatic, showing a modified form of the sorting mechanism; 4 Fig. 8 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional detail r of one of the discharge regulating devices for the heavier material shown near the central part of Fig. 1;

Fig. 9 shows a different form of regulating discharge gate for the stratified heavier material;

" Fig. 10 is a top plan of the table, partly diagrammatic, and showing a form of discharging devices for the lighter stratified material;

Fig. 11 is a transverse, vertical, fragmentary section on the line ll--ll of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing a reversed sorting system.

The present application is a division of my copending application for Process and mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials, Serial No. 97,222, filed March 25, 1926.

The invention comprises a novel process and novel mechanism for separating intermixed divided materials, and delivering the different separated materials apart from each other and free from intermixture. The invention is directed more particularly to providing an improved process and mechanism whereby intermixed materials are successfully separated; wherein the fragments or particles of the various materials vary very greatly in size, and wherein the various intermixed materials differ relatively but little in their specific gravities; the rapid and successful commercial separation thereof thus presenting a very difficult problem.

The expression intermixed divided materials is used for convenience herein in designating a mixture comprising two or more materials in granular, fragmentary, pulverulent or other like state, whether natural or due to previous handling or operations. The expressions heavier and lighter as applied to the materials, pertain to relative specific gravities, and are so used for convenience.

An example of such materials, with the mechanical conditions and having the physical properties already described, is a mixture of coal, bone, and rock and other impurities, as it comes from the mine, and the present invention in actual practice has been chiefly directed to the automatic cleaning of the coal as it comes out of the mine, and without previous preparation or handling.

One of the principal and most valuable features of my process and mechanism is the ability to practically completely separate coal, bony and rock without the preliminary sizing which has heretofore been necessary, and which constitutes a tremendous, and practically prohibitive, item of labor and expense. By my invention, I am enabled to practically complete the separation of the coal, bony and rock, as it comes from the mine, from the finest dust up to pieces three inches in dimensions, by a single operation and by running it in very large volume over merely a single cleaning table, the coal going direct to the cars, and the rock to the rock heap, and the bony being handled in any way desired.

By my invention, I dispense with all of the screening mechanisms of the prior art and with all but one of the separating tables. I use only a single large separating table, and over this single table I send the unprepared, unsized, intermixed materials, which prior to my invention were necessarily sent first over the several screening or sizing mechanisms, and then over the corresponding separating tables, as described in the preceding paragraphs. I am able on this one table to practically completely separate the coal, rock and bony and other impurities from three inches in dimension down to the finest dust.

My invention is applied to the separation or purification of unsized intermixtures of raw or impure coal such as hereinbefore described, and the invention provides several novel ways or systems for accomplishing the purification of a given raw, unsized coal mass. The Various systems of treating the raw mass of unsized coal all comprise purification thereof by pneumatic stratification in successive stages. That is, my separating table comprises a plurality of more or less individual separating zones adapted to maintain a plurality of individual beds or sub-beds of intermixed materials undergoing pneumatic stratification and separation. Stratification subdivisions of the raw mass are subjected to separating action in the individual separating zones and are progressed or transferred in whole or in part from one zone to the other to thereby undergo successive purification treatments within the different zones and under the Varying conditions prevailing in said zones. The particular system of subdividing the raw mass and of subjecting the various subdivisions thereof to successive pneumatic stratification actions will be dependent upon the characteristics and conditions of the particular raw coal or intermixture to be purified and the use of the different systems and instrumentalities will be regulated and coordinated in accordance with such conditions. In the capacity for varying the manner and degree of correlation and cooperation of the various process steps and instrumentalities to meet the varying requirements of successful and approximately complete separation with different kinds and conditions of intermixed materials lies in part the value of the invention.

In the various separating systems comprised by my invention, it will be understood that there is provided one or more continuous and forwardly flowing beds of the intermixed divided materials, such as the unsized mixture of coal, bony and rock, said beds of materials being supported upon an air-pervious deck while undergoing separation, through which deck air under pressure is passed from beneath upwardly through the bed of material, the deck at the same time being moved or reciprocated to mechanically forward the separated heavier material, which has settled down upon the table, by friction and inertia toward a place of delivery, the gradation of the force of the air currents, the table structure and the various coordinated instrumentalities cooperating in the novel manner hereinafter set forth to accomplish a desired result.

Referring now to the various systems for effecting substantially complete purification of a given mass of raw unsized coal or the like, in one system (hereinafter called the first system for convenience of description) the entire unsized mass is fed to the first or rearmost zone of the separating table and passes in such completely unsized condition throughout the entire length of the table and successively through the various separating zones. The process of separation by stratification is continuous and progressive along the continuously maintained bed of materials as it passes successively from one separating zone to the next. The heavier material is delivered from the bed in a plurality of places or streams, preferably at the ends of the successive separating zones, while the upper stratum of clean lighter material travels longitudinally forwardly along the table and throughout the successive zones or sub-beds in a single stream. In one alternative manner of carrying out the process according to the first system, all the lighter material travels as a fiotant upper stratum the length of the table from the rear or feed end through the successive separating zones or sub-beds to discharge in a unitary, forwardly flowing, purified stream at the front end of the table, while the heavier material is discharged at a plurality of loci along the bottom of the table and preferably at the ends of the successive zones or sub-beds; and this manner or system of operation is preferably practiced with the mechanism illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2.

Alternatively and optionally, the discharge of the clean upper stratum of lighter material may be commenced medianly of the length of the table by lateral diversion of all or a portion of the clean, separated upper stratum and may be continued progressively along the table as the purifying and stratifying actions progress (Figs. 10 and 11). Usually and preferably the lateral diversion of the material in the upper stratum will be effected at or near the ends of the successive separating zones or sub-bed. Thus there may be effected a practically immediate and regulable discharge of both the lighter and the heavier materials, respectively, as soon as the separation thereof is gradually effected, this discharging action of both materials concurring along a great part of the length of the table.

In other systems of purification processing comprised by the invention the successive separ'aiting treatments are applied to certain size ranges or fractional portions of said size ranges from the raw unsized mass, said selected or predetermined size ranges being successively subjected to purification treatment in different states of intermixture with respect to the other constituents of the raw mass. In said systems, the invention provides for sorting the material into two or three broad ranges of sizes to assist in the separating action, but avoiding the close sizing required by the previous practice.

In one of said systems (hereinafter referred to for convenience as the second) the finer particles of the raw coal are treated to successive pneumatic-stratification separating actions by passing said finer particles through the successive separating zones or sub-beds on the table. In one of said zones, there is formed a bed containing only the finer particles of the coal and impurities and said sub-bed of fines is subjected to a pneumaticstratification separating process: While in another of the sub-beds or separating zones of the table the finer coal particles or a regulable portion thereof are treated in intermixture with the coarser pieces of the raw mass. In practicing said second system, the raw coal mass is preliminarily sorted into two or three broad ranges of sizes, the finer sizes being fed to the rearmost separating zone or sub-bed on the table, while the coarser sizes from. the raw mass are fed to the more forward separating zones or sub-beds. The fine impurities or heavier particles separated from the sub-bed o1 fines by the pneuiii) matic-stratifying action are discharged at the forward end of said sub-bed or separating zone, while the fiotant stratum of fine, pure coal and a possible unseparated residuum of fine impurities are progressed forwardly and into the next successive sub-bed where they intermix with the coarser coal and refuse therein. Thus the preliminarily purified finer particles of coal participate in the pneumatic stratification and separation of the coarser pieces and at the same time themselves undergo a further separating action.

The invention provides for regulating the amount and condition of the fine particles so introduced into the sub-bed containing the coarser pieces; that is, the stream of preliminarily purified fines passing from the initial sub-bedof fines into the next successive sub-bed may consist of all the fine coal stratified and separated in the initial bed, or a regulable portion of said fine coal may be discharged directly from the first subbed and the remainder introduced into the successive sub-bed or beds as desired. Thus in the second system, all or a regulable portion of the finer coal particles are subjected to pneumaticstratification separation action in a plurality of beds and in different states of intermixture with respect to the other eonstituentsvof the raw coal mass.

In another or third system, the coarser coal is subjected to purification treatments or actions in different states of intermixture with respect to the other constituents of the raw coal mass. The third system is substantially the con verse of the second system, in that the coarser or coarsest size range of the raw coal segregated from the raw mass by the broad sorting action hereinbefore referred to, is initially purified in the first or rear bed and the coarser impurities or heavy material separated therefrom in the first separating zone. The coarse coal and possible still-intermixed residual impurities are then introduced into the successive, forwardly-located separating zones where they intermix with the finer particles from the raw mass and there enter into the separating action of the sub-beds containing the resulting intermixture of the fine and coarse materials. Analogous to the operation of the second system, the coarse materials, delivered from the initial sub-bed into the successive sub-beds of finer material, may consist of the entire mass of coarse pieces (except for the coarse heavy material discharged from the initial subbed), or a regulable fraction of said mass of coarse pieces may be intermixed with the finer particles, the remaining coarse pieces being discharged directly from the first sub-bed as clean coal.

Referring now to the general features of the pneumatic-Stratification separation process as practiced in the various systems and in the several beds or sub-bedsz The invention, as embodied, provides broadly for feeding on the material, preferably in the manner hereinafter described, at such rate as to build up at the beginning, and thereafter to continuously maintain, upon the table, a bed of ma terials of substantially uniform thickness, which moves gradually forwardly over the table. The materials undergo a continuous and progressive separation, due to the combined air and mechanical actions, with the cooperation of the mechanical instrumentalities, as they move for- Wardly, gradually approaching complete separation, which is effected before the separated materials are delivered from the table, the discharge of one or more of the separated materials being likewise gradual longitudinally of the table as already explained.

By my present invention, the intermixed materials of the diverse and difficult character already described, are fed on to the rear end of the air-pervious table, and beginning at this time and continuing progressively forwardly along the table, by the air action, and partly by the recipe rocation of the table, the intermixed particles or fragments of material are loosened apart and separated from each other, and the lighter ma-. terial gradually settles and comes to rest upon the table, and thereafter is progressed forwardly by the combined action of friction and inertia to a place of delivery, the paths of travel of the separated strata and the manner of discharge thereof, as broadly indicated, cooperating to facilitate practically perfect separation, rapid action, and large output.

Broadly considered, in connection with the foregoing, the process and table of my present invention, in addition to creating this superior fiotant stratum of the lighter material, provides also for this stratum traveling forwardly in ,a straight and unconstrained path and at the end of its straight and unconstrained path to be delivered from the table, thereby giving the shortest and most natural path to the superior fiotant material.

In connection with the foregoing, the air action is cooperatively proportioned and controlled to produce the completest and most satisfactory result in the difficult task of completely, or practically completely, separating the particles of intermixed material of such widely divergent dimensions and so closely related in relative specific gravity. Accordingly, the air chamber beneath the air-pervious deck or table, is. preferablydivided into a plurality of sub-chambers and the entry of the air into the various sub-chambers, and the amount and direction of the air currents passing through the deck and, the bed of coal in the separating area or zone forming the topof such chamber, is nicely controlled by devices which regulate the amount and direction of the air currents which enter the chamber. Preferably a series of baffles or vanes are movably mounted in the vibrating or reciprocating air chamber, and are thus positionable to control the air currents between zero and full force thereof.

The foregoing general description and the following detail description are both explanatory and illustrative of the inventiornbut are not restrictive thereof.

Means are provided by the invention for supplying and maintaining upon the table a bed of the intermixed, divided materials undergoing separation, and for supplying the intermixed ma.- terials at such regulable rate as. to maintain a bed of practically constant or uniform thickness, or of such varying thickness as may be most efficient and advantageous for the particular work being done and materials being operated on. In conjunction therewith, means are optionally provided for sorting the material into two or three broad ranges of sizes, to assist in the separating action, but avoiding the close sizing required by the previous practice.

This broad sorting provided by my presentinvention, separates the materials into only a few ranges of sizes, and delivers the broadly sorted sizes to different loci or zones along the table. Such a sorting also does not require the use of more than a single table to completely separate the materials as they come from the mine, except for breaking very large lumps, and does not require any of the separate sizing machines.

So far as concerns many features of the invention, the sorting means may be entirely dispensed with, and the intermixed, divided materials fed directly to the table in the manner already described. This direct feeding of the intermixed, divided materials may be found preferable for certain classes or conditions of the materials to be separated and will be practiced in the first system hereinbefore referred to. With this option and adaptability in view, the sorting device is detachable from the separating table, for use or not, as may be desired.

In accordance with certain features of the invention, the separating action occurs in successive stages forwardly along the table, there being a discharge of the heavier stratified and separated material at relatively far separated successive points longitudinally of the table. The means for effecting the discharge of the heavier material, so far as separated, are provided with devices for safe-guarding against the discharge of the lighter material with the heavier material. Means may be optionally provided at corresponding points or zones along the table for effecting partial discharge of the lighter and superior stratum of separated material so far as stratified and separated up to that point; or the lighter and superior stratum may be progressed forwardly along the table and entirely discharged from the front end thereof. It will be understood that the sorting mechanism may be utilized with the foregoing or not, as may be most efficient or desirable.

Referring now in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, means are provided for supplying the intermixed, divided materials at such rate, and in such quantity, as will preserve upon the table a bed of materials undergoing stratification and separation of the desired or required thickness. In the embodied form of material-supplying means, a hopper l is provided, having side walls 2, and inwardly and downwardly inclined front and rear walls 3 and 4. The hopper is supported by suitable means, such as cross beams 5 and 6. The hopper is preferably of such width as to feed on the intermixed divided materials entirely across, or substantially entirely across the width. of the rear end of the table, but the feed may be narrower if desired.

The lower end of the hopper has an opening therein, and beneath this opening is a horizontally-disposed, hemicylindrical plate 1, having a material discharging opening at the front side thereof. The material discharge regulating devices comprise a horizontally-extending shaft 8, located within the plate 1, and suitably journalled at either end thereof. Fixed to the shaft 8 are a plurality of spaced-apart discs 9.

Fixed to, and extending between, the discs 9 are a plurality of horizontally-extending feed plates In, which are preferably arranged tangentially to the shaft 8. A variable speed driving means for rotating the shaft 8 is provided, of any known or suitable form, whereby the speed of the discharge of materials from the hopper I to the table may be nicely regulated as desired.

The preferred form of the invention will be described as employing the broad sorting device, although it will be understood that the use of this device is entirely optional so far as concerns most features of the invention. When the sorting device is dispensed with, there may be a chute for directing the intermixed materials directly from the feed regulating means, already described, to the bed upon the table, or the hopper may be arranged and located more closely to the table.

The embodied form of the sorting device shown in Fig. 1 comprises a screen 20, having a transversely-disposed rear end wall 2!, and two side walls 22 and 23, the front end of the screen being open. The bottom 29 is composed of bars or meshes of various sizes, whereby the pieces of the intermixed materials within very wide size limits are deposited in various areas of the bed of materials, as may be found most efficient in separating the particular kind and condition of intermixed materials. The sorting device is detachably mounted, by means of bolts or otherwise, upon a series of supports 26, 21 and 28, which are mounted upon the table structure. With the arrangement shown in Fig. l, for carrying out the second system of purification the finer or smaller pieces of intermixed materials are fed to the rear end of the table of materials being separated upon the table, an intermediate size being fed to an area forwardly along the table, and the larger sizes of the intermixed materials being fed toward the forward end of the table. A reverse arrangement for carrying out the third system is also shown (Fig. 12) and will be later described.

In Fig. '7 chutes 29 are shown below the sorter 29, whereby all the materials within a predetermined range of sizes are deposited upon the bed at the rear end of the respective separating zones or areas upon the table. In the arrangement of Fig. 1, the materials within a predetermined range of sizes is delivered all over one of the zones or areas of the table. If the sorter, either of the form shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 7, is reversed, the places of discharge of the various sizes will also be reversed, and such reversed arrangement, for carrying out the third system, is shown in Fig. 12.

In the embodied form of my invention, the table and the upper portion of the air chamber reciprocate together, while the lower part of the air chamber is stationary. Means are provided for varying the air-current action through the bed of materials, and this variation in the aircurrent action may be effected by varying the perviosity of the table in different areas thereof, or by varying the intensity of the air pressure in different sections or compartments of the air chamber, or it may be effected by a combination or cooperation of these. In the embodied form, both these means are exemplarily illustrated.

In accordance with certain features of the invention, and as already indicated, the table is divided into a plurality of separating areas or zones, shown as 39, 39a and 39b, there being discharge means for the heavier stratified and separated material for each of these areas, there being also optional discharge means for the lighter and superior stratified material for each such table zone or area.

As embodied, beginning at the rear end of the table, a separating table zone or area 39 is pro.- vided, consisting of a perforated metal plate, or wire mesh, or other suitable material, for permitting the air currents to pass therethrough and through the bed of materials above. The plate 39 is supported in any suitable manner, as by angle frame members 40 at the end, and 4| at the sides, and 42 at the front, the angle strips being attached to the side walls of the air chamber.

The plate 38 is thereby detachably mounted and is interchangeable with other plates of the same or different degrees of air perviosity as may be desired or required.

The table is provided with a transversely-disposed, upwardly-extending rear retaining wall 43 for the bed of materials thereon, and also with upwardly extending, longitudinally disposed side-edge, bed-retaining walls M and 45, for maintaining the bed of materials upon the table. As a convenience in structure, the retaining walls for the bed of materials upon the table may be an integral continuation of the transversely disposed rear wall 49, and the longitudinally-disposed side walls 58 and 5|, of the vibratable or reciprocable part of the air chamber. The air chamber is also provided with a transversely disposed front wall 53.

At the forward or front edge of the zone or area 39 of the table, means are provided for discharging the heavier material in so. far as it has become stratified and separated upon the table 39. In the embodied form of such means, a, transversely-disposed opening 51 is provided extending for relatively a short distance across the front end of the part 39. At either side of the opening 51 there is a vertically-disposed wall, guide portions 58 and59,extending from the opening to the side walls 58 and EI, and being preferably inclined inwardly and forwardly from the side walls to the adjacent side of the opening 51.

In cooperation with the opening 51, means are provided for regulating the discharge of the rock or other heavier material through the opening. Thus all of the rock or other heavier material which has become stratified on the area 39, and is consequently at rest upon the table, will be discharged at this point, while all the separated lighter material, and those portions of the material which are still intermixed, will be prevented from discharging at this point. In the embodied form of such means, a gate 68 is hinged at 6| along its top edge, which may be regulably set, as by weights 62, to control the discharge of the material as desired.

Means are provided forcausing a back air pressure against the rock or other material at the gate 38, when desired, and also devices for discharging the rock without interfering with the operation of the air chamber. In accordance with this feature of the invention, the rock, or like material discharges through opening 51 into a vertically-disposed chamber I9, located just ahead of the opening 51, and in the central part of the table. The separated rock or other heavier material from the area 39 is discharged into this chamber I9. To control the discharge of the separated rock from the chamber, a bottom gate 88 is provided, fixed to a shaft 8|, journaled in the side walls of the air chamber. The shaft 8| has a crank arm 82 at the end thereof, and located on the exterior of the machine, and a pin 83 is insertable in and removable from a hole in the side wall of the air chamber, whereby the gate 88 is retained in horizontal position but on occasion may be swung to vertical position to discharge the rock from the chamber 19.

The chamber I9 is directly above another Vertically-disposed chamber 85, preferably of similar size and shape built into the stationary or ncn-reciprocable part of the air chamber, and there is a flexible, air-impervious connection 88 between the bottom end of chamber 19 and the top end of chamber 85. In the bottom part of the chamber 35 is a horizontally-disposed gate 81, fixed on a shaft 88-, journaled in the side walls of the chamber. The shaft 88 has an arm thereon similar to the arm 82, and the retaining pin 83 to hold the gate 80 in horizontal position.

To provide air-pressure against the gate 68 of the opening 51, there is an opening 9| from the air chamber into the chamber 19, and a closure 92 of any suitable form may be provided which is regulably positionable to control the air action in the chamber I8 against the gate 60, and against the rock or other heavier material, which is being discharged through the opening 51. As embodied (Figs. 1, 3 and 4) the sliding closure 82 has a rack 93 thereon, and a pinion 94 meshing therewith. Pinion 34 is fixed on a shaft 95, journaled at 96 on the walls of the box 19. Shaft 95 extends outside the air chamber and has a crank arm 91 on this exterior end.

After a mass of rock has accumulated in the chamber I8, the pin 83 may be withdrawn, and the gate 8i! will be rocked to discharge the rock into the chamber 35 where it willrest upon the gate 81. The gate 88 will be again closed and secured after the discharge of the rock, thereby cutting off the air pressure from the chamber 85. The gate 81 may then be swung to discharge the rock from the chamber 85 onto an endless conveyor belt IIJI, which runs over a plurality of guide rollers I82, to convey the discharged rock away to any convenient place of discharge.

As one means for regulating the air pressure action through the bed of materials, a plurality of adjustable baffles I83 are shown, disposed transversely in the air chamber, and fixed respectively on a shaft I84, journaled in the walls of the air chamber. The shaft Hi l is provided externally of the chamber with means for positioning the baflies to control the air current action in the zone 39 of the table, such as hand wheels I83. In Figs. 1 and 3, the baiiies or vanes I03 are shown extending completely across from one vertical wall 38 to the other vertical wall 5|- of the air chamber, and adjacently located as a longitudinal series extending in substantially the same horizontal plane lengthwise of the air chamber. As shown in Fig. 3, the baffles or vanes I83 are positioned and proportioned so that when the respective adjacent baffles or vanes are turned into the horizontal position, their adjacent edges abut or overlap. For example, if the group of baflies or vanes I83 at the right hand end of Figs. 1 and 4 were turned somewhat farther in a counter-clockwise direction, their adjacent edges would substantially abut or overlap, as shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1. In that position, the baflies or vanes constitute a substantially complete cut off for the air currents in the corresponding part or area of the table. The in tensity of the air current action in such area will be determined by the number of the baffles or vanes I03 which are turned into any desired or required angular position. When the members I83 are turned to the vertical position, as shown at the left hand end of Figs. 1 and 3, the members I83 permit substantially the full volume of the air currents to pass upwardly to the air-pervious table. The vanes or bafiies I83 can be turned to any desired intermediate positions or extent between the vertical and horizontal, and in any combinations, and for any particular areas of the table, as desired. Furthermore, the members I03 may be inclined in either direction, that is, with their upper edges directed either forwardly or backwardly with respect to the front and rear ends of the table.

As shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 6, the vibratable or reciprocable part of the air chamber is divided into a series or plurality of separate chambers by vertically disposed partitions or walls I68, the baffles or vanes I63 being shown mounted in the lower part of the various chambers thus formed by the partitions or walls I00, and when in a horizontal position, they form a floor for the chamber. The air chamber is, as described, preferably formed into a plurality of sub-chambers, in each of Which, independently of the others, the amount, and also the direction, of the air currents may be varied in any degree between being wide open and being entirely cut off, by the setting of the baflles or vanes I03 in each of the sub-chambers, irrespective of the air current settings in the other chambers. Thus, the amount of the air currents passing through them for any desired area, and any desired part, of the air-pervious table can be closely regulated, and the air currents for the various selected areas and parts of the table can be likewise defiected and directed as may be desired. Also the air current pressure or action through the bed of coal undergoing purification may be regulated in any desired number of areas of the table, that is, practically within the smallest or greatest areas necessary in commercial operation, to meet diflicult and changing conditions of the bed, such as difierences in thickness of different parts of the bed, the proportions of different sizes of coal in any particular areas of the bed, or any other conditions of commercial coal purification.

In the embodied form of reciprocable table, the baffles or vanes I03 are mounted in the upper part of the air chamber which reciprocates with the table, and by means of the hand wheels I 05 they may be regulated as minutely as desired while the table is running.

The separating table comprises a plurality of successive zones 39, 39a and 3922, having the same manner of operation, and, preferably, substantially the same structure as that already described, and the various structural features common to the successive zones or parts of the table will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

The second separating zone or area III! of the table may be air pervious throughout its entire extent, but preferably the portion I08 thereof, which constitutes the top of the chamber 19 is preferably air impervious, for the purpose of avoiding disturbance or complication of the air pressure control within the chamber 19 and against the gate 60. It will be understood, however, that the desired action and function as already outlined may be effected with regard to the material discharging from the area 39 into the chamber I9 and at the same time have an upward air action through the part I08, just above the chamber I9.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, and as already described, the superior stratum of separated lighter material, such as coal, is entirely discharged from the forward end of the table. For this purpose at the forward end of the table, there is provided a downwardlyinclined chute III, extending entirely across the table, and having an extension H2 discharging onto an endless conveyor belt II3 journaled to run over rollers I I4, which are mounted in a suitable frame H5. In accordance with certain features of the invention, however, means are provided for discharging the superior stratum ofv separated coal, or other lighter material, from the different areas where portions thereof have been separated and stratified, and this feature of the invention will be later described.

Referring now to the mounting of the table and upper part of the air chamber for reciprocation, a plurality of supporting arms H9 are pivoted at their bottom ends I20 to the upper part of the side Walls I2I of the non-vibratable part of the air chamber. The arms H9 at their upper ends I2I are pivotally connected to the lower part of the respective side Walls 50 and 5I of the reciprocable or vibratable part of the air chamber. A flexible air-impervious envelope I22 has its lower edges making air-tight connection with the upper edges of the non-reciprocable part of the air chamber entirely thereabout, and has its upper edgesmaking a like air-tight connection with the lower edges of the reciprocable part of the air chamber.

Suitable cushioning means are preferably applied to the bed to control or ease the vibration thereof, and this means may be of any known or suitable form. As embodied, inclined blocks I21 are shown fixed to the under surface of the side walls of the reciprocable air chamber and corresponding disposed blocks I28 are fixed to the upper edge of the lower or non-reciprocable part of the air chamber. Coil springs I29 are in compression between these blocks and may be provided with tension-regulating devices of any known or suitable form as may be desired. If desired, or required also, reversely acting spring cushion means may be provided.

Any form of table-actuating or reciprocating means may be provided so far as concerns most features of the invention. As embodied, a heavy link I35 has a pivotal connection at I36 with a bracket I31, fixed to the lower part of the rear end wall of the reciprocable portion of the air chamber. At its opposite end the link I35 is connected at I 38 with a wrist pin, eccentrically carried by crank plates I39, suitably journaled on a supporting structure. The link I35 is also preferably provided with a length adjustment I48.

The embodied form of driving means comprises a worm-wheel MI fixed on the shaft of the crank plate I39, and it meshes with a worm I42, having bearings Hi3 and I44 in a bed plate I45, carried upon a support I46, which in turn is carried on supports I 4? from the floor. The worm I42 is driven by a motor I48. It will be understood, however, that any known or suitable form of speed-reducing, power-transmitting connections may be used between the motor and the table reciprocating-mechanism as may be found suitable or desirable.

The air-current or air-pressure creating means, in the embodied form, comprises a blower I 55, mounted in a housing I5I, which discharges the air current into a conduit I52. In accordance with one feature of the invention, the entire table is relatively inclinable, to vary and control the separating action, this means being preferably applied to the non-reciprocable part of the air chamber. With this in view, there is a flexible, air-impervious connection I53 between the aircurrent conduit I52 and the part I54 of the conduit, which latter discharges into the non-reciprocable part of the air chamber.

The non-reciprocable part of the air chamber is provided with pivotal mountings I55 and I 56 near the rear end of the side edges thereof, said mountings comprising pins I56 carried in brackets I5'I, fixed to the air-chamber structure, and

extending downwardly therefrom. Pins I56 are also journaled in brackets I58 carried on supports I59. Near the forward end of the air chamber there is a cross beam I63, upon which the chamber rests, and near either end of the beam I63, are ball-and-socket bearings W4, provided with downwardly-extending, screw-threaded rods I65. Threaded on the respective rods I65 are nuts I66, resting upon the top face of cylinders I67, carried on supports I68. By turning the nuts Ifiii, the air chamber and table will rock about the pivots I56, and the inclination of'the table will be varied or regulated as desired.

In Fig. 9 of the drawings, a different form of means for regulating the discharge of the rock or other stratified heavier material is shown likewise preferably located at the central forward end of a particular separating zone or area of the table. In this form of device, a gate I819 is provided at the discharge port or opening 51, the gate being variably positionable so as to permit the discharge of all of the rock and to prevent the discharge of any of the coal. As embodied, the gate I89, which is of substantially the width of the opening M, is pivotally mounted at its bottom by a hinge I8I, mounted upon the table structure 39.

To variably position the gate I39, as embodied, a link it? is pivotally connected to the gate I83, and at its other end I84, the link is pivotally connected to an arm I85, fixed on a shaft I89, which shaft is journaled in bearing brackets I81, mounted on the side wall of the chamber 19. On the exterior of the air chamber are provided means for moving the gate I88 and holding it in proper position, and, as embodied, a lever arm I88 is fixed to the shaft I39, and cooperates with a locking sector I89. Thus the flow of the separating and stratified rock, or other heavier material, through the port 5? is regulated in exact accordance with the separating action of the corresponding table area.

In accordance with one feature of the invention means are provided for practically immediately discharging from a separating area 39 of the table, the superior stratified and separated layer of coal or other lighter material, and this means may be constructed and arranged to completely or partially eifect the discharge of such light material, in so far as it may be completely separated at this part of the table. In Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, is shown an embodied form of deflector devices, which are variably positionable both vertically and horizontally, and as to inclination and length, to secure the separating and discharging action which may be most efficacious with any particular kind or condition of intermixed materials undergoing separation.

As embodied, deflector'strips I96 and I9"! are shown at either side of the table, these strips being forwardly and outwardly inclined, and having their forward and exterior ends terminating at the forward ends of corresponding ports I98 and let, formed in the respective side walls 44 and of the table, These deflector strips are vertically positionable by suitable means, such as bolt and slot connections 269 and Edi, with brackets or standards 202 and 2H3, conveniently mounted upon the table itself or on the side wall structure. The standards 292 and 2933 may be vertically positionable upon the face of the table, to vary the angular disposition of the deflecting strips Hi5 and H91, as may be found desirable to secure the best results with any particular materials or under any given conditions of the separating work. Means are preferably provided also for varying or regulating the discharge of the materials through the ports I98 and I99, and as embodied, slides 206 and 291 are provided, respectively, at the bottom sides of ports I98 and I9@, and these are vertically variably positionable, by bolt and slot mountings 299 and 299, on the exterior of the vertical walls M and 45 of the table.

At the left-hand part of Fig. 10, the deflecting strips I9$a and It'la are shown of considerably greater length, and approximately meeting at the longitudinal center line of the table. In the case of deflecting strips first described, the central portion of the superior stratum flows forwardly along the table from one separating area to the next following separating area, while with the arrangement shown at the left-hand end of Fig. 10, the superior stratum is practically completely deflected and discharged, to a predetermined depth, dependent upon the depth of the completely pure stratum of the lighter and superior material.

It will be understood that these devices will be coordinated with the feeding-on means, especially if the broad sorting means, previously described, is also utilized. That is, the feeding on of sorted material and the deflecting strips will be positioned so as not to interfere one with another. When desired, any portion of the area within and between the deflecting strips and the side wall of the table may be rendered air impervious, as by laying a metal plate of the right size or shape over that portion or" the air-pervious table.

When the side discharge means are employed, there are provided also chutes 2i I, M2 at either side of, and just exteriorly to the side walls 44 and i5. These chutes deliver the coal into a final delivery chute H3 at the forward end of the table, which in turn delivers the coal upon the conveyor belt H3.

In the operation of the device, it will be understood that the use of the difierent instrumentalities wil be regulated and coordinated, dependent upon the kinds and conditions of the intermixed, divided materials to be separated. In the capacity for varying the manner and degree of correlation and cooperation of the various instrumentalities to meet the varying requirements of successful and approximately complete separation with diff rent kinds and conditions of intermixed materials lies in part the value of the invention.

The table may be assumed to be in operation, with a bed or series of sub-beds of intermixed, divided materials thereon, gradually undergoing stratification and separation. The materials will be fed continuously to the bed or sub-beds at such rate as will maintain said bed or sub-beds of materials of the desired thickness upon the table, the materials gradually traveling forwardly and becoming more and more completely separated. When the first system is employed, all the intermixed unsized raw coal is fed to the rear end of the table and travels therealo-ng over the successive separating zones as a continuous and progressively separating bed, the air currents and other instrumentalities being regulated to effect the most eflicacic-us separating action with the particular coal being acted upon. The flotant superior stratum of coal or lighter material may be caused to travel the length of the table and all discharged at the forward end thereof, or alternatively, some or all of said flotant stratum of coal may be discharged laterally at the ends of the successive zones as hereinbefore described.

When the screen, or other broad sorting device is employed, as in the second and third systems, it can be arranged to deliver a fairly wide range of sizes at the rear end of each separating area or zone of the table. The delivery of the material to the table may be entirely across the width thereof, or may be only to the central part thereof, as might be the case with the use of the deflecting strips of a certain type, such as shown at the left-hand end of Fig. 10.

The hopper and screen may be also positioned relatively to the table, so that either the smaller sizes may be delivered to the rear separating area and larger sizes to the areas respectively forwardly, or vice versa, thereby providing for operation of either the second or third systems respectively. Likewise, the degree of airperviosity may be varied in the different separating areas of the table, and with certain intermixed materials, it is more efficacious to have the air-perviosity of the table increasing gradually forwardly, either from zone to zone, or also gradually within or throughout the particular zones.

As the stratifying and separating actions proceed, the purified coal forms into a superior stratum, and the rock or other heavier material in a given zone will settle upon the table, Will be forwarded by friction and inertia, and will be concentrated at the central forward end of the separating zone, and will pass out through the port 51, the regulating means at the port being set so as to permit the discharge of all of the separated rock and to prevent the discharge of any of the coal. The action of the table in this wise may be very carefully inspected by watching the chambers I9 and 85.

The coal or other superior stratum of separated material will flow forwardly over the deflecting walls 58 and 59 for the rock or other heavier material, and will pass forwardly along the table. In so far as this upper stratum is completely separated, the deflecting strips may be set to immediately discharge it from the sides of the table, and again this capacity will determine the variable position of the deflecting strips, and also the sizes of the ports I98 and I99 so as to render it possible to discharge all the completely separated coal, and to permit any still intermixed portion of materials to pass onwardly into the next separating area, to be subjected further to the stratifying action.

Alternatively, by using the variably positionable defiecting strips 595 and I9! shown at the right hand end of Fig. 10, a regulable portion of the flotant superior stratum of fine coal may be permitted to progress from the rear separating zone 39 onto the next separating zone 39a and intermix with the sub-bed of intermediate-sized material fed thereto from the sorting device. Thus the amount of fine particles which is introduced into the sub-bed of raw coal on the separating area 3911. and/or into the sub-bed on the area 391) may be very nicely controlled and proportioned, as may be found desirable to secure the best results with any particular materials or under any given conditions of separating work, and the relative quantities of the different sizes in intermixture in the successive subbeds can be regulated as found most efficacious in practice.

It will be understood that the foregoing is a general outline of the actions of the table under certain conditions and is explanatory of one manner of operating the table, 1. e., the second system, but is not restrictive as to the uses of the table or as to all conditions and actions of different kinds of intermixed materials undergoing separation.

Referring now in detail to the operation of the third system, the sorting mechanism 20' is shown in Fig. 12 in position to deliver the coarsest size range of intermixed materials from the mass of raw coal to the rear or first separating zone 39, an intermediate size range being delivered to the intermediate zone 39a and the finest intermixed materials to the forward separating zone 39?). By analogy to the second systern, the coarser materials undergo a separate pneumatic-stratification separating action in the initial sub-bed 39 and the coarse impurities are separately discharged at the forward end of said sub-bed. All of the superior or flotant stratum of material may be delivered forwardly from the rear sub-bed 39 into the intermediate sub-bed 39c: and successively into the forward sub-bed 3% as the continuous stratifying and separating process progresses. Alternatively and optionally, the entire flotant stratum at the forward ends of the separating zones or sub-beds 39 and/or 89a may be successively deflected and discharged laterally by the deflecting strips. As a third alternative procedure, a regulable portion of the coarse flotant material from the rear zone 39 may be introduced into the intermediate zone 280; and similarly a regulable portion of the coarse and intermediate sized lighter materials from zone 39a may be introduced into the forward separating zone or sub-bed 391). Thus the relative proportions of the different size ranges in the various sub-beds may be carefully regulated and controlled in the various successive sub-beds as desired in reverse order to the sequence of the second system.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanisms shown and described but departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the accompanying claims without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What I claim is:

l. A mechanism for separating intermixed, divided materials including in combination a longitudinally reciprocable table having a plurality of air-pervious separating zones disposed in line longitudinally thereof, means for supplying and maintaining a bed of the materials upon the table undergoing separation, means for stratifying and separating the materials including an air-pressure chamber underlying the zones for forcing air through the materials of the bed, means at the end of each separating zone for immediately discharging downwardly an inferior heavier stratified material at rest upon the table, means for discharging a superior lighter layer of separated and stratified material at the ends of successive zones simultaneously with the heavier material and means for passing the unseparated middle stratum forwardly for further similar treatment in successive zones.

2. A mechanism for separating intermixed, divided materials including in combination a table having a plurality of air-pervious separating zones disposed longitudinally thereof, means for supplying and maintaining a bed of the materials upon the table undergoing separation,

means for stratifying and separating the materials including devices for forcing air through the materials of the bed, means at the end of a separating zone for immediately discharging an inferior heavier stratified material at rest upon the table, and air-pressure controlled means for regulating the discharge of said heavier separated material from the table.

3. The process of separating intermixed, divided materials varying relatively greater in size but varying relatively little in their specific gravities which comprises maintaining a bed of the materials moving forwardly along a table and loosening and stratifying the materials progressively along the bed by substantially continuous air-stratifying action, floating and separating a lighter stratum and causing a heavier stratum to settle upon the table, discharging the settled and stratified heavier material downwardly immediately from the ends of successive zones longitudinally of the bed, simultaneously discharging the superior lighter stratified material at the ends of said zones and progressing the unseparated middle stratum directly forwardly for additional treatment in successive zones.

4. An apparatus for the dry cleaning of coal including particles having different specific gravity characteristics, comprising .a plurality of sep--- arating deck sections arranged one behind the other each section having a feed and a discharge end, the feed end of one section telescoping the delivery end of an adjacent section, means for feeding coal to be cleaned to each of said sections, each section having a refuse discharge and a cleancoal discharge and means for longitudinally vibrating the said sections.

5. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination an air-pervious deck, means for progressing a bed of raw coal unidirectionally therealong and for effecting a gradual and progressive stratification of the coal and refuse including an air chamber beneath the deck for supplying lifting and loosening air currents to the deck, means for discharging a flotant stratum of coal from the front end of the deck, an opening at said front end of the deck for discharging settled refuse beneath the stream of discharging coal, and means for regulably releasing settled refuse from the opening comprising a gate normally urged closed by pressure from the air chamber and adapted to open against said pressure to release a predetermined mass of refuse.

6. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination an air-pervious deck, means for pneumatically stratifying a bed of raw coal thereon, and means for separately delivering the stratified coal and refuse products from the deck comprising a discharge opening for refuse, means for controlling the passage of refuse through said opening comprising a gate, and means for applying pressure from the air chamber to urge said gate closed, said means including an air conduit communicating with the air chamber and control member for regulating the amount of air supplied to said conduit.

'7. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination an air-pervious deck, means for pneumatically stratifying a bed of raw coal thereon, and means for separately delivering the Stratified coal and refuse products from the deck comp-rising a discharge opening for refuse, means for controlling the passage of refuse through said opening comprising a gate, and means for applying pressure from the air chamber to urge said gate closed, said means including an air conduit communicating with the air chamber and control member operable from without the air chamber for regulating the amount of air supplied to said conduit.

8. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination an air-pervious deck, means for pneumatically stratifying a bed of raw coal thereon, and means for separately delivering the stratified coal and refuse products from the deck comprising a discharge opening for refuse, means for controlling the passage of refuse through said opening comprising a gate, and means controlable from without the air chamber for applying pressure from the air chamber to maintain said gate closed. i

9. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination a relatively long and narrow airpervious deck, means for maintaining thereon a bed of raw coal of substantial depth undergoing progressive stratification while traveling unidi-.

rectionally along the deck, an air chamber beneath the deck and means for supplying air under pressure thereto, a support for receiving and delivering stratified coal at the front end of the deck, an opening beneath the said support for delivering settled refuse, and means for controlling the discharge of refuse through said opening comprising a gate subject on one side to pressure from the air chamber and on the other side to the mass of discharging refuse.

10. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination a relatively long and narrow airprevious deck, means for maintaining thereon a bed of raw coal of substantial depth undergoing progressive stratification while traveling unidirectionally along the deck, an air chamber beneath the deck and means for supplying air under pressure thereto, said air chamber being of substantially uniform cross-section throughout the length of the deck, means for gradating along the deck the intensity of the air current supplied thereto, a support for receiving and delivering stratified coal at the front end of the deck, an opening beneath the said support for .delivering settled refuse, and means for controlling the discharge of refuse through said opening comprising a gate subject on one side to pressure from the air chamber and on the other side to the mass of discharging refuse.

11. A coal cleaning mechanism including in combination a relatively long and narrow airpervious deck, means for maintaining thereon a bed of raw coal of substantial depth undergoing progressive stratification while traveling unidirectionally along the deck, an air chamber beneath the deck and means for supplying air under pressure thereto, means between the air chamber and the surface of the deck for gradually increasing in the direction of flow of the bed the intensity of the air current passing to the deck, a support for receiving and delivering stratified coal at the front end of the deck, an opening beneath the said support for delivering settled refuse, and means for controlling the discharge of refuse through said opening comprising a gate subject on one side to pressure from the air chamber and on the other side to the mass of discharging refuse.

12. A mechanism for separating intermixed, divided materials including in combination a longitudinally reciprocable table having a plurality of air-pervious separating zones disposed in line longitudinally thereof, means for supplying and maintaining a bed of the materials upon the table undergoing separation, means for stratifyand means for passing the unseparated middle stratum forwardly for further similar treatment in the successive zones.

13. A mechanism for separating intermixed, divided materials by dry, pneumatic treatment, including in combination a longitudinally reciprocable table having a plurality of air-pervious successive, contiguous separating zones disposed in line longitudinally thereof, means for supplying and maintaining a bed of the materials upon the table undergoing separation, means for supplying dry, gaseous pressure for stratifying and separating the materials including an air-pressure chamber underlying the zones for forcing air through the materials substantially throughout the zoned areas and devices for independently regulating the gaseous pressure in the various table zones, means at the end of each separating zone for immediately discharging downwardly an inferior heavier stratified material brought to rest upon said zone, means for discharging from the mechanism a superior lighter layer of separated and stratified material at the ends of successive zones simultaneously with the heavier material, and means for passing the unseparated middle stratum forwardly past said discharging means for further similar treatment in successive zones.

REMBRANDT PEALE, JR. 

